280 Ultra Handi

[mechanic]

I ran across a Handi in 280 with 26" barrel and compensator the other day.  It was overpriced, and it had a comp., so I passed.  Back in today and made an offer, and bought it.  Now I've got to figure out how this comp. is threaded on and remove it, and probably cut and recrown.  The barrel with the comp. is almost 28".

I've never shot a 280, so some experimentation is in order.  I will probably keep this as a "just in case" rifle.  Just in case I get to hunt somewhere where there are wide open spaces.

I'm just reading up on ballistics, and it seems like a good round.

Is anyone here shooting one?  Is it adequate for larger game, like elk?

Ben

[tcoggins]

I don't shoot a 280, but my father shoots a Ruger 77 in .280.  He has taken caribou in Canada, but mostly shoots whitetail deer in mid-michigan.  He shot a deer at about 350 yards one time, so it will reach out and touch something.

He has talked about going elk hunting with it, but so far has not.

For what it's worth.

Tim

[quickdtoo]

Congrats Ben!! The 280 is a fine elk round, specially from the 26" barrel, it's right on the heels of the 7mm Mag. Nosler lists 175gr partition data at 2750fps which puts it with in the lower range of data for the 7mm Mag with the same bullet.


Tim

http://www.rifleshootermag.com/featured_rifles/combo_deer_elk/index1.html

[mechanic]

Congrats Ben!! The 280 is a fine elk round, specially from the 26" barrel, it's right on the heels of the 7mm Mag. Nosler lists 175gr partition data at 2750fps which puts it with in the lower range of data for the 7mm Mag with the same bullet.


Tim

http://www.rifleshootermag.com/featured_rifles/combo_deer_elk/index1.html

I'm beginning to get a little excited about it now.  At first, I thought I would have a receiver and stock, etc. and the barrel was a bonus.  But after reading up a bit, this might be a fine round.  I will order up some dies and brass and see how it goes.

[NFG]

The 280 has been around a long time in one form or another...a 7mm Express, 280, 270 necked up to 280 and a bunch of other wildcats.  It is an excellent cartridge, better than a 270 I think because of the better selection of heavier bullets and you can load it to the same pressures as the 270 without any problems.

I've built or rather rebuilt two Ruger 280's, one for my ex sister-in-law and one for my son.  The sisinlaw took several elk and deer then got rid of my brother, sold the gun including the reloading bits and pieces. 20 odd years later some stranger came to my door carrying a rifle and wanted to know something about it.  I looked it over and realized it was the one I made for my sisinlaw so I dug around and hauled out all the reloading data I had for it when I was working up loads.  He had already taken two elk with factory ammo and was very happy with it AND the reloading data.

Too bad you want to take off the comp...it will reduce the recoil, but the 280 doesn't hit very hard on the back end as it is.

I always liked the heavy bullets in all my 284 cals...175's shot great, but a 160 will get you a bit more velocity and a Partition, Swift, Woodleigh, Accubond etc, or other premium style bullet will do an excellent job on elk.

Enjoy it.

Luck

[Spanky]

The 280 is a great round. All the good things that are said about the 270 and 30-06 can be said about the 280 too. Very versatile round and doesn't hammer you with recoil. Tim is right about the 7mag. The 280 is just about it's twin. You got a good rifle in your hands.



Spanky

[dpe.ahoy]

280 is one of my favorite rounds, but I'm a 7mm nut.  With the right bullet it'll take anything in the lower 48 and might do it on big browns or polar bears as well if you are hunting and not trying to stop a charge.  I quit useing my 7 mags and sold em cause the 280 will do what needs to be done without the extra kick.  If I want my butt kicked, I grab the 45-70 or 444.   DP